Hybrid Press Brakes That Bring Together Bending Power and Energy Efficiency
The right press brake for a busy shop is one that handles thin gauge in the morning, thick plate by lunch, and keeps energy bills predictable through it all. As a hybrid press brakes manufacturer, MC Machinery created the Diamond BH Series to meet those exact requirements.
A patented dual-drive design pairs an electric AC servo motor and ball screw mechanism with a hybrid hydraulic piston system, giving operators the speed and repeat-stop accuracy of an electric machine alongside the bending force of a traditional hydraulic press. The end result is a press brake that runs faster, more accurately, and at lower energy cost than the hydraulic systems many shops are using today, without requiring the capital investment of going fully electric.
Where Hybrid Press Brakes Fit Into Real Production Workflows
From single-shift job shops to multi-shift production lines, the BH Series handles a broad range of bending applications:
- Automotive and Aerospace: Parts with tight tolerance requirements benefit from the 1-micron ram repeat accuracy and 4-micron back gauge precision. Automatic thickness detection and compensation minimize angular irregularities without external measurement systems.
- Structural Fabrication and Energy: Heavy bending on thick stock is where the hybrid piston system earns its keep, delivering the force needed for structural plate while the electric drive keeps cycle times short.
- Metal Fabrication and Sheet Metal Shops: For shops weighing electric against hydraulic, hybrid press brakes offer the speed and accuracy of electric on thinner material with the muscle of hydraulic when the job thickens up.
- Cost-Conscious Manufacturers: For shops upgrading from older hydraulic machines, the BH Series provides meaningful improvements in energy consumption and precision without the capital outlay of a full-electric machine. The gas cushion ram return alone reduces operating costs over the life of the machine.
- Operators of All Skill Levels: A 22″ multi-touchscreen running Windows handles programming, 3D simulation, and day-to-day operation. New operators ramp quickly, and experienced operators get tools that match the work.
The BH Series is MC Machinery’s hybrid press brake line, available in six configurations across press forces from 85 to 250 metric tons and bending lengths from 2.6 to 4.1 meters. Every machine features the patented dual-drive system, automatic micro-wedge crowning, 22″ multi-touchscreen CNC control, Mitsubishi servo amplifiers and motors, and one-touch European tool holders as standard equipment.
Available models include:
- BH8525: 85 metric ton press force, 2,600 mm bending length, suited to lighter production work.
- BH13530: 135 metric ton press force, 3,100 mm bending length, a versatile mid-range option.
- BH18530: 185 metric ton press force, 3,100 mm bending length, increased force for thicker stock.
- BH18540: 185 metric ton press force, 4,100 mm bending length, longer parts at the same force.
- BH25030: 250 metric ton press force, 3,100 mm bending length, the heavy-duty option for thick plate.
- BH25040: 250 metric ton press force, 4,100 mm bending length, the flagship configuration.
Open height runs 530 mm, and ram stroke is 250 mm across the lineup, with strokes per hour rated at 1,565. Back gauge configurations include 5-, 7-, and 9-axis options, depending on the model. Optional equipment includes angle measurement, sheet followers and supports, DiamondBend offline programming software, automatic tool changers, and the Videre operator support system.
Videre is MC Machinery’s operator support system, available as an option on the BH Series. This one-of-a-kind system provides guided bending support and visual references at the machine, helping operators of varied experience levels work confidently and consistently across complex part programs.
Bring a Diamond BH Series Hybrid Press Brake Into Your Production Flow
Whether you are replacing an aging hydraulic machine, expanding bending capacity, or evaluating your first hybrid press brake, MC Machinery’s engineering team can help you specify the right BH Series configuration for your shop. We take the time to understand your material mix, throughput targets, tooling inventory, and floor layout, then recommend the build that fits both your current work and where your operation is headed.
Schedule a demo to see a BH Series hybrid press brake in action, request a quote tailored to your requirements, or talk with a sales rep about adding hybrid bending to your operation.
Why MC Machinery Is the Hybrid Press Brakes Manufacturer Shops Choose
The BH Series consistently produces what shops actually need: cycle time, accuracy, and predictable cost.
- Patented dual-drive technology combines electric ball-screw positioning with a hybrid piston system, delivering the industry’s fastest cycle time in class at 2.3 seconds.
- Energy recovery built in. A gas cushion supports the ram, and an assist device stores down-stroke energy for reuse, lowering electricity consumption compared to conventional hydraulic press brakes.
- Standard automatic crowning via MC Machinery’s patented micro-wedge system keeps bend angles consistent across the full length without manual adjustment.
- Tight tolerances out of the box. 1-micron ram repeat accuracy and 4-micron back gauge accuracy come standard, not as upgrades.
- Real productivity tools. Onboard work-efficiency analysis and automatic thickness compensation reduce setup time and minimize scrap from material variation.
Technical Specifications Overview
All BH Series hybrid press brakes feature the patented dual-drive ram positioning system, 1-micron ram repeat accuracy, 4-micron back gauge repeat accuracy, automatic thickness detection and compensation, 22″ multi-touchscreen Windows-based CNC control with 3D simulation, and Mitsubishi servo drives. Strokes per hour are rated at 1,565 across the lineup, with cycle times starting at 2.3 seconds. See the BH Series product page for full specification tables.
